As far as things-that-don't-suck go, there's not much better than a buttery spoonful of bone marrow atop the perfectly crisp toast point, perhaps with a dollop of blackberry compote or even a dash of Dijon.
One of the best parts about ordering the osso buco is digging into that hollowed-out treasure trove surrounded by bone, and it can be disappointing when there's little or no marrow to spoon out of it, to stagger with your bites of veal or sips of Brunello.
As fatty and as rich as bone marrow is (an ounce is said to equal 300 calories), it's hard to believe something this flavorful and decadent can actually be good for you. But apparently it is.
Here's a quick list of some of the benefits: aids in joint health, helps with digestive inflammation, has omega-3 fatty acids, can help with weight loss and brain function, and more.
For some reason, we're conditioned to think of things so tasty and fatty as being horrible for us, but that just goes to show, maybe we need to be reconditioned now and then.
[Sign up to receive The Digest on the first of each month.]